Fold, Check, Hit Me! Impact of Lifestyle on the Trajectories of Problem Gamblers

Frédéric Ouellet, Balthazar Queloz

Abstract

Several studies have demonstrated the intermittent nature of problematic gambling behaviours. Despite the upsurge in research in this area, few studies have examined the dynamics of gambling behaviour or the factors influencing gambling trajectories. Using a retrospective self-report gambler survey inspired by the life history calendar method, the current study sheds light on the intermittency of gambling and the static and dynamic factors that may modulate gambling trajectories. Attention was paid to deviant life circumstances, especially criminal offending, and their effects on gambling parameters. The multilevel analyses results, conducted with data gathered from a sample of a hundred problem gamblers, revealed the impact of life circumstances on these trajectories. On the one hand, sources of social control—hours worked, participation in therapy—have the effect of alleviating gambling problems. On the other hand, deviant life circumstances—commission of lucrative crimes, consumption of psychoactive substances, paying off gambling debt—exacerbated gambling. The dynamic factors that predict changes in gambling behavior and identified in this research support the development of intervention policies based around them.